Below are some basic "emergency planning" suggestions, as well as helpful links and resources gathered from various Washington Metropolitan area media.

In Case of an Emergency Evacuation

*  Rehearse your personal and family plan of escape.

*  Consider the special needs of elderly people and very young children.  

*  Know the green route signs which mark evacuation routes

*  Keep emergency supplies in your home and in your car.  Check with the Federal     emergency Management Agency (FEMA - www.fema.gov) and the Red Cross
    (www.redcross.org) for a list of supplies.  Consider your pet’s needs. 

Emergency Planning at Work

*  Emergency supplies at work include a battery radio, cell phone, sturdy shoes,
    medications, a flashlight, water, etc.  Keep them near your work area in a        
   portable pack.

*  If you have to take shelter at your worksite, know where to go for greatest
    protection, good ventilation and warmth.

*   Have a communication plan for keeping in touch with family and other people
     who are  important to you.
 
*   Ask your workplace to post crisis procedures and its evacuation policy.

*   If you leave the workplace, let someone know where you are going.

*   For all employees:  maintain an up-to-date list of phone numbers, cell phone  
     numbers, email addresses,  emergency contact persons and their numbers.

*   Stay in contact with events by video, radio, phone, etc.

Adapted from the Washington Post article, February 13, 2003 and other sources

Web Resources - National

www.redcross.org - American Red Cross
www.fema.gov and   www.fema.gov/kids Federal Emergency Management
www.cdc.gov - U.S. Center for Disease Control
www.dhhs.gov  - U. S. Department of Health and Human Services   
www.usdoj.gov - U. S. Department of Justice
www.dhs.gov -   U. S. Department of Homeland Security
www.washingtonpost.com/preparedness  - The Washington Post
     

Poison Control Center  800-222-1222
CHEM/BIO Hotline 800-424-8802
FBI Headquarters Operations Center 202-323-3300
   
DC Metro Area Resources - Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia

www.dc.gov/citizen/preparedness/index.shtm
www.co.fairfax.va.us/emergency
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/
   
Arlington County Public Health - 703-228-4992
D.C. Emergency Management Agency (24 hour) - 202-727-6161
   (for hearing impaired - 202-727-3323)
Fairfax County Hotline - 703-817-7771
Montgomery County Health Department - 240-777-1755
Prince Georges County Health Department - 301-883-6837
Anne Arundel County - 410-222-7256
Baltimore City    - 410-396-4438
Baltimore County - 410- 887-6011
Charles County - 410-609-6900
Frederick County - 301-694-1029
Howard County - 410-313-7500
 
Prepared by Helene King, PhD, CEAP
For additional information, please contact us at 202.628.5100 or by e-mail.